Splenda class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: A federal judge in California denied a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed against the makers of Splenda, TC Heartland LLC.
- Why: The judge determined consumers have standing for claims TC Heartland falsely advertised Splenda as a sugar alternative with health benefits.
- Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.
A California federal judge denied a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed against the maker of Splenda over claims their sugar alternative product was falsely advertised as having health benefits.
The class action lawsuit claims TC Heartland LLC engaged in consumer fraud by marketing Splenda as having health benefits. However, the sugar alternative allegedly uses sucralose as a primary ingredient. Sucralose is a chemical the class action argues is harmful to diabetics.
TC Heartland, meanwhile, argued, among other things, that the claims were preempted by the FDA’s determination “regarding the safety of sucralose.” Furthermore, they state the lawsuit relies on a “cherry-picked” collection of studies that don’t actually support the claim sucralose is unsafe.
The judge determined, however that the claims made under state laws were not preempted by federal law.
In an order denying the motion to dismiss, the judge said, “The Court agrees with plaintiffs that the FDA regulations cited by TC Heartland do not preempt plaintiffs’ state law claims.”
Splenda purchasers have standing to bring claims, judge rules
The class action lawsuit was filed last year by a single plaintiff with type 2 diabetes. Law 360 reports that It was later amended to add three California residents, including another with type 2 diabetes, one who is pre-diabetic and one without diabetes.
TC Heartland argued none of the plaintiffs had standing to bring the claims since they weren’t physically harmed. However, the judge ruled they had standing since they claimed they would have paid less for the Splenda or not purchased it at all
The judge stated, “Plaintiffs here have adequately alleged an economic injury and have Article III standing to assert their claims.”
A consumer filed a separate class action lawsuit against TC Heartland in April over claims the company falsely labeled its Splenda Naturals Stevia Zero Calorie Sweetener product as “100% natural.”
Have you purchased Splenda artificial sweetener? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Bahar Sodaify, Shireen M. Clarkson, Alan Gudino and Ryan Ardi of Clarkson Law Firm PC.
The Splenda class action lawsuit is Prescott, et al. v. TC Heartland, LLC, Case No. 5:23-cv-04192, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
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648 thoughts onSplenda ‘diabetes’ class action moves forward over false ad claims
yes , add me
Yes, Splenda is not good. There are other Alternatives. Yes, ADD, my name to this Class Action. My wife and I used Splenda for a long time, use to buy it by the Box from Costco. We were told too, the Splenda, was a good alternative to regular sugar, and was told, we were not getting younger, and regular sugar would do more damage than Splenda. We were sold a bill of goods, not knowing, how much this sugar alternative would create nonsense on our bodies. My wife of 45-yrs, is now deceased, and I am now 80; and while it may not be thought that Splenda may have caused our health issues, how do I know that Splenda didn’t cause our health issues. As a lay-person, we take our Doctors advice and rely heavily on the Government agencies to protect us from false claims, and our health. Life is very short, and many are disrespectful, and those that create a bad product, must be hel accountable. Amen!
I’m type 2 and use it for better blood sugar. Is everything false ?
I been using Splenda for several years
Been using Splenda for about 3 years now.
I been using Splenda for several years
I’ve used Splenda & Splenda Natural for over 20 years & am type 1 diabetic. My husband also uses it & is type 2 diabetic. Please add us both.
I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes at least ten years ago. My endocrinologist suggested I use Splenda instead of sugar. I thought it was okay because it has no sugar and I trust my doctor!
I been using Splenda for several years now.
add me please